What ultimately saves the movie from completely being a total flop is superb acting. Not only is Theron great in another gritty role, but Robb, who also was terrific in last year’s Bridge to Terabithia, ends up stealing some of Theron’s thunder in a winning portrayal of a down-on-her-luck 12-year-old who knows there has to be more to life. And the way that she still loves her mom despite her flaws is truly memorable and continues to show the young actress’ range.
But even stellar acting can’t completely rescue this story. Now if there was more depth to the script than a by-the-numbers caricature of abuse and poverty, then Sleepwalking wouldn’t be nearly as yawn-inducing. Instead, it would be something worthy of another Oscar nomination for Theron and a tear-jerking tragedy that would connect with the audience.
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Unfortunately, as it plays out, that simply isn’t the case.
CAUTIONS:
- Drugs/Alcohol: Social drinking—in excess—pictured. Drugs are mentioned several times, and 12-year-old Tara is shown smoking in a scene.
- Language/Profanity: The language is the bulk of the reason for the film’s R rating. There are a constant stream of expletives, including the “F” word and instances of the Lord’s name taken in vain.
- Sex/Nudity: Joleen often confuses sex with love, and we see her getting busy with one of her dates, (while her daughter is in the next room), but nothing aside from passionate kissing is shown.
- Violence: Mr. Reedy has a problem with hitting his own son—physically and emotionally—and even Tara in one scene. SPOILER: In one particularly graphic act of violence, James kills Mr. Reedy after hitting him in the head repeatedly with a shovel.